Today is: Thursday, February 22, 2018

Bayside Restaurant Review

New American cuisine comes to life in this custom-designed location overlooking the harbor in Newport Beach, California. Award-winning Executive Chef Paul Gstrein brings culinary drama to his inventive dishes for lunch, dinner and the enormously popular Champagne Sunday Brunch. Lunch, dinner or brunch dining may all be enjoyed al fresco on our wrap-around patio, made comfortable with built-in
heaters and sun drapes. Complementing the kitchen is a circular glass wine cellar
that boasts more than 2500 bottles of wine favorites from around the world.

Bayside offers artful New American cuisine in the award-winning Atrium
Building in Irvine, California. Bayside hosts an extensive bar and an Wine
Spectator award-winning wine list with over 400 varieties of wine.

The ambiance is further enriched each season by revolving
modern art exhibits which are available for purchase.

Bayside offers a full-service patio with comfortable furniture and heat lamps to
provide al fresco dining at its finest. Bayside provides an elegant
and versatile venue for any special occasion.

For seafood and wine lovers, Bayside is like heaven, it offers fresh
seafood, steak, pasta, and exceptional service for all occasions,
from intimate happy hour pairings to banquets.

Stepping into Bayside, we are surprised by the stunning, modern design, which is among the most striking in Newport Beach . The space is light and airy, with
bold forms and curved lines creating a striking sense of grandeur. A soothing
wave of blue washes over the space; shades ranging from light sky to deep
navy weave throughout every surface. Our eyes are immediately drawn
to the commanding, bar that sits just beyond the entrance, already
peppered with stylish guests. Then we see what sits behind it.

Taking a seat among the soothing blue tones, we are almost immediately greeted by our server Giovanni. First on our agenda are our beverage options; I am quite eager
to peruse Bayside's award-winning wine list. The list, which has earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence as well as the distinguished Best of Award of Excellence, consists of over a variety of the most amazing wines, spanning a range
of both wine types and price ranges. There is an extensive selection at almost
any price point, offering guests willing to spend both $30 and $300 a
welcoming array of options. Of course, the strength of the wine list lies
in its variety, with hundreds of excellent bottles between $40 and $100.

We opt to begin with an aperitif before selecting a wine, and ask our server to bring
a glass of the Mumm "Cordon Rouge" Reims NV Brut as well as the Bayside Classic Mojito. The Champagne proves an excellent beginning to the meal but the standout is the mojito—packed with mint, the drink is sweet and smooth, a perfect concoction
for a summer evening. Had we not already committed to lunch, we would have
gladly spent a leisurely hour in the adjacent lounge, sipping our drinks
while relaxing in our comfortable chairs.

As it is, we eagerly turn our attention to the menu, feasting our eyes Chef Paul Gstrein’s menu creations. As Bayside's name indicates, the menu is focused on the sea, with nothing other than the restaurant's namesake headlining the show.

Yellow Fin Tuna
Mediterranean Salad

The Tartare Sashimi Grade Yellow Fin Tuna is a perfect beginning to a meal of modern fusion cuisine. A cubed form sits on the plate, with cucumber, scallions
and chili vinaigrette. The oils offer an equally complex mélange of flavors, and
there are so many subtle tastes vying for attention that we savor each bite.

Bayside's main courses vary by season, marrying the freshest available fish Chef’s unique "flavor creations." The Mushroom Croasted Local Halibut, which we opt to share, is a stunning example of his style. The colorful dish is a medley of textures and forms that includes potatoes puree, aspargus, porcini mushroom with truffles essense. The concasse is brilliantly subtle, light and surprisingly elegant, revealing only a hint of truflles flavor. The fish pulls apart easily, a seared light brown crust giving way to moist flesh. The dish is, like the entire meal, both playful and elegant, and a delight to enjoy.

Grilled Culotte Steak, with Madagascan Pepper Sauce

The Grilled Culotte Steak, with Madagascan Pepper Sauce, Trio of
Potatoes and Seasons Vegetables was one of the best as well!

With our plates clear and our last sips of St. Supery dwindling in our glasses, we are ready for dessert. A list of sweets tempts us, and we select the most intriguing: the Chocolate Cake and Vanilla Ice cream with berries. Beneath the glistening gold, a sheen layer of dark icing covers thin layers of white and dark chocolate, layered
into a cake that is moist, flavorful, and satisfying. Each bite is heavenly.

Taking a last bite of the gold flakes on my plate, I feel, like Ella Fitzgerald,
transported to a world of luxury and liveliness, where cares slip
away and all that matters is this moment.

As we stand up to leave, tracing our steps back toward the entrance, past the stunning wine tower and striking bar, we feel energized. With lightness in our steps and grins across our faces, we step out into the now-bustling Bayside’scene. Feeling infused with a playful elegance, we float along Newport Beach, satisfied.

Tapas Happy Hour
Daily from 5-7pm, enjoy cocktails and a savory California tapas menu in the lounge or at the bar. The tempting menu boasts a range of culinary
choices in a lighter style at $3.75 per item. It's the perfect spot to meet after work
for a drink and a light bite while enjoying an elegant setting with live music.

Wednesday Wine Tasting
Every Wednesday from 5:30-7:30pm, wine aficionados
can gather in our lounge or on our patio to enjoy five selections from around

the globe. Complimentary cheeses and fruit accompany the tasting.
$16 per person. First come, first served.